Cleveland Browns Offensive Line Solidified Before the Draft?

The Cleveland Browns got busy quickly, addressing their largest question mark this offseason by immediately adding to the offensive line. In the first 48 hours of the free agency window, general manager Andrew Berry cut deals with four possible starters along the offensive line. The additions of guards Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins, the resigning of Teven Jenkins, and the trade for Tytus Howard have put the Browns in a much better position than what they were going into the new league year. With Dawand Jones projected to start at left tackle, Cleveland may have a solid starting five to build on this season.

Being aggressive in starting this process will give the Browns flexibility in the draft. It also provides a bit of a security blanket if Cleveland fails to hit projected targets when they go on the clock.

Let’s take a look at the moves made, where things stand with Joel Bitonio, and a potential ceiling for this group if they do end up being the full starting five.

The Additions and Retention

The 2025 season saw the Browns line with inconsistent play, interrupted by injuries and ending with multiple free agent exits. Jack Conklin, Wyatt Teller, Ethan Pocic and Cam Robinson all opted to test the market.

This left Andrew Berry with multiple holes to fill, and he responded quickly:

• Tytus Howard (RT, former Texans): The first move was sending a fifth-round pick to Houston for Howard and immediately signing the veteran to a three-year extension. Howard brings proven starting experience at right tackle and position flexibility along the line.
• Zion Johnson (LG, former Chargers): Johnson signed a three-year deal worth approximately $49.5 million ($32.4 million guaranteed). The 26-year-old former first-round pick has started 15 or more games in each of his first three NFL seasons, offering durability, short-area quickness, and solid power in the run game.
• Elgton Jenkins (C/G, former Packers): Elgton signed a two-year, $24 million contract ($20 million guaranteed). A two-time Pro Bowler who has played every offensive line position, Jenkins spent time at center in 2025 before a season-ending injury. There’s a realistic chance that he resumes duties in the middle of the line..
• Re-signing Teven Jenkins (RG): Teven has demonstrated the ability to provide a potential long-term starter on the line and will get the opportunity to win a spot and earn a contract that reflects his future this season..

Along with Dawand Jones, this gives a potential starting five with some positional flexibility if the opportunity arises to add more talent. 

Joel Bitonio

As of the time of putting together this article, Joel is basically non-communicative. I’m hard-pressed to believe that there is a future for the Browns offensive line that includes him.

From Mary Kay Cabot: “The Browns are also still awaiting word on whether All-Pro left guard Joel Bitonio will return for a 13th season, but their flurry of moves seems to suggest they’re preparing for life without him.”

Bitonio’s legacy in Cleveland is set in stone. He will eventually be in the Browns Ring of Honor, but for now, his presence on the field and in the locker room has likely ended.

Affecting the 2026 NFL Draft

Before the start of the free agent cycle, the need to address the offensive line was obvious. Cleveland is holding picks at #6, #24 and #39 to start the first pair of rounds in the draft. Adding the pieces they have upfront so far will create a lot more wiggle room for them to operate.

At an earlier point in the process, it appeared as though that sixth overall pick may have several suitors for a trade-up. That was primarily based on the availability of RB Jeremiyah Love. Now, with the Chiefs signing Kenneth Walker and the Saints signing Travis Etienne, the move to get ahead of the Commanders for Love’s services feels less likely. Plus, there is no guarantee that Jeremiyah’s hype train doesn’t quickly go off the tracks at #4 overall for the Titans. So, the market for the Browns top pick may be cooling a bit.

With the players added to the offensive line thus far, this could have the Browns targeting an offensive weapon for new Head Coach Todd Monken. That makes Carnell Tate a realistic target for that pick.

Current Projected Starting Five

If the Browns do choose to pass on the line to start the draft, or completely skip it in the first, that would strongly signal they believe they have a legitimate starting five already in house:

• LT Dawand Jones (24 years old): The 6-foot-8, 374-pound former Ohio State product has the rare athleticism and arm length to dominate on the left side. He has battled injuries early in his career, but the Browns have long viewed him as their long-term left-tackle answer. 
• LG Zion Johnson (26 years old): Durable player, road grader and strong in tight quarters, Zion possesses better mobility than his 315-pound frame suggests. Although it’s not the strength of his game, he has shown steady improvement in pass protection. 
• C Elgton Jenkins (30 years old): Jenkins could end up being a fulcrum point on the Browns line combining football intelligence, Pro Bowl pedigree, and the ability to call protections. 
• RG Teven Jenkins (28 years old): Teven may have provided a glimpse of his future this past season but will need to prove it in 2026. He’s a sound run blocker that has shown potential in pass protection and good discipline in avoiding penalties.
• RT Tytus Howard (29 years old): Howard’s best ability has been his consistent play. His pass protection has been a bit better than advertised, while his ability to move the defensive line in the run game has been a bit of a struggle.

The immediate questions revolve around how quickly Todd Monken can get them up to speed on the scheme and working together as a cohesive unit. There is enough talent here to field an adequate line with upside, and there is potential here to quickly see a group that becomes one of the stronger units in the AFC North.

The Last Word

If nothing else, this is a swift overhaul of the most glaring offseason issue. It provides, on paper, a template for a starting five while opening up options for the draft.

To be clear, there’s nothing here that is going to make most Cleveland fans start talking with confidence around the water cooler. But when looking at the giant transition they were facing with so many starters finding the exit, this is a solid foundation to build upon.

This is a smart, balanced start to a rebuild that can provide some much-needed stability.